March 2026
Ambition and discipline: The numerology secret behind birth numbers 3 and 8 Relationship compatibility
Your birth number can tell you a lot about yourself, how you get along with others, and the choices you make in life. People born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th of a month usually get along with people born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th of a month. People often say that these…
Why leasing, not ownership, will drive the next wave of EV adoption in India?
This article is authored by Bharat Bala, Builder & CEO at AMP EV.India’s electric vehicle (EV) story is moving beyond early adopters. With supportive policy, falling battery costs, and rising consumer awareness, the question is no longer if EVs will scale but how they can scale, sustainably. The answer may be in bespoke lending and…
A week of war: How Iran conflict escalated across Middle East in 7 days – key developments
The war involving the United States, Israel and Iran has rapidly escalated into one of the most dangerous Middle East conflicts in years, spreading across multiple countries in less than a week. What began as a coordinated US-Israeli strike inside Iran quickly triggered retaliation from Tehran and drew in regional actors, turning the confrontation into…
Uae: LuLu Group airlifts 80,000kg of Indian produce to UAE to keep supermarket shelves stocked | World News
LuLu airlifts Indian fresh produce into UAE to help keep supermarket shelves stocked / Image: file As aviation disruptions ripple across parts of the Middle East, dedicated cargo flights are flying fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishable foods into the UAE to ensure supermarket shelves remain stocked. Retailers have begun arranging special shipments of produce…
AI generated image On most evenings at a diabetes clinic, the conversation eventually circles back to the same word: cost. Not calories, not carb counts, cost. For many patients, medicines like Ozempic have hovered in that uncomfortable space between medical breakthrough and financial capacity. Doctors spoke of their benefits with measured optimism; patients listened, did the math, and quietly returned to navigating older drugs, stricter diets, and longer walks.That equation may just change.With the patent on semaglutide (Ozempic) expiring on March 20, Indian pharmaceutical majors such as Sun Pharma, Zydus Lifesciences, Dr Reddy’s and Natco Pharma are preparing to roll out more affordable versions of the once-exclusive injection. Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Third US carrier on way as Israel launches ‘extensive strikes’ on IranTemporary Waiver For Russian Oil: US allows India to buy stranded crude; move aims to ease supply pressures’Landed in US hoping to kill Trump’: Pakistani man convicted in murder-for-hire plot, says Iran forced himWhat was until now a premium therapy could soon become a mainstream prescription, potentially reshaping India’s fast-growing anti-obesity and diabetes market.Image: DDBut cheaper medicine does more than expand access, it indicates a shift in behaviour as well.For years, treatment plans for obesity and type 2 diabetes in India have leaned heavily on lifestyle modification: disciplined diets, exercise regimens, and incremental pharmaceutical support when necessary. Semaglutide, globally celebrated for its dual impact on blood sugar and weight loss, introduced a powerful new lever. Yet its price ensured it remained, for many, a last resort rather than an option they opt for first.As generics enter the scene, doctors may rethink when to prescribe it. Patients who once delayed therapy could start earlier. Weight management clinics may see a surge. And the uneasy balance between lifestyle and medicine, between personal discipline and pharmacological assistance, could tilt in unexpected ways.The question now isn’t just whether semaglutide will be cheaper. It’s whether its affordability will quietly redraw the boundaries of how India treats weight, health, and responsibility itself.How does Ozempic work?To understand why semaglutide has generated so much excitement, and debate, it helps to begin with what it actually does inside the body.After we eat, our gut releases hormones called incretins. These chemical messengers tell the pancreas to produce insulin, helping move sugar out of the bloodstream and into cells where it’s needed. They also signal the liver to slow down its sugar production and provide the brain with a simple message: you’ve had enough.Ozempic works by amplifying that natural system..Its active ingredient mimics a hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which the body produces after meals. In people with type 2 diabetes, this response is often blunted. Semaglutide steps in to strengthen it. It prompts the body to release insulin when blood sugar rises, reduces excess glucose from the liver, and slows the speed at which food leaves the stomach. The combined effect is steadier blood sugar levels and improved HbA1c readings, which essentially helps with long-term glucose control.But the drug’s impact doesn’t stop at sugar.GLP-1 also acts on the brain’s appetite centres. It signals satiety, that subtle sense of fullness that tells one to put the fork down. By creating a more stable and longer-lasting version of this hormone, semaglutide extends that feeling. For people with obesity, that shift can be mean a lot. The constant mental battle around food quietens. Weight loss becomes less about incessant restraint and more about biology working in their favour.Lower prices, wider access — and a market set to surgeMore players are lining up to join the fray in the coming months, and with each new entrant, the pressure on prices is expected to mount. Until now, India’s weight-loss drug segment has largely been the playground of high-priced innovator brands, accessible to only a few. That exclusivity may not last much longer.Industry watchers estimate the current weight-loss market at around Rs 1,400 crore, and they believe it could double within a year if prices soften and supply widens. The appetite, both medical and consumer, clearly exists.The momentum isn’t limited to obesity drugs alone. The broader anti-diabetic therapy market grew more than 15% in January, according to data from research firm Pharmarack, driven largely by newer, premium treatments. Among them is Mounjaro from Eli Lilly, which clocked Rs 112 crore in sales — a sign that patients and doctors are willing to embrace innovation, even at a higher price point.”The patent expiry is going to affect the market a lot. The expiry is set to take place on the 20th and by 21st we have received a report that 5 different semaglutides are going to be launched,” said Raman Nath of Nath medicines.What changes now is the equation between demand and affordability. If generics bring costs down meaningfully, these medicines could shift from being niche, urban prescriptions to more mainstream therapies. And with that shift, the conversation around weight and diabetes management in India may become less about who can afford cutting-edge care — and more about how widely it can be used.”Doctors prescribe drugs like this based on the economic background of the patients. If they see that the patient is well-off, they would prescribe drugs like Ozempic, otherwise they would prescribe cheaper alternatives,” added Raman.Beyond weight loss: The body image questionBeyond clinics and balance sheets, another, quieter debate is unfolding, one about mirrors, self-worth and the meaning of acceptance.In recent months, conversations around GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have drifted beyond blood sugar levels and BMI charts. On social media panels and television debates, some commentators have suggested that if weight can be medically reduced, movements centred on body acceptance may begin to lose urgency. The implication is subtle but powerful: if body size is seen as easily changeable with an injection, then living in a larger body risks being framed as a choice rather than a complex mix of biology, environment and circumstance.For years, the body positivity movement has argued for dignity and inclusion regardless of size. It pushed back against the idea that worth is measured in kilograms. But as drugs like semaglutide become more visible, and potentially more affordable, public perceptions and attitudes may shift. If thinness starts to look medically attainable, will social tolerance shrink?These drugs help regulate appetite and blood sugar; they do not directly treat shame, stigma or years of internalised criticism. Research has long shown that body size and body image are closely linked. It is not surprising, then, that some people may hope weight loss will also quiet the harsh inner voice or soften the way the world responds to them.Yet access remains uneven, outcomes vary, and no injection can fully untangle the emotional layers tied to food and appearance. As semaglutide becomes more mainstream, India may find itself navigating not just a medical shift, but a cultural one, balancing the promise of better health with the need to preserve empathy, dignity and choice for bodies of every size.”In this country, two kinds of medicines sell the most. One is to get fair and one is to get slim. Ozempic helps with the slimming part. People rarely to want to change their lifestyles. To get thinner you have to bring a lot of changes and be mindful about how you live, what you eat. Ozempic has made it easier to lose weight that is why people tend to consume it more,” Raman said.The risk of misuse Originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes, these medications have quickly acquired a second identity, as powerful tools for weight loss. For many patients, the results have felt dramatic, even life-changing, achieving reductions that older diets, pills and fitness fads rarely delivered. It’s no surprise they’re being described as game changers.But as their popularity grows, so do the questions.Most GLP-1 drugs are taken as a once-a-week injection, self-administered in the arm, thigh or abdomen. Treatment typically begins with a low dose that is gradually increased. Within weeks, many users notice a shift: cravings dull, portions shrink, the constant mental chatter around food softens. For some, the scale begins to move for the first time in years.AI generated imageYet doctors stress that these medicines are not magic, and not meant to be casual lifestyle accessories. Weight often returns within a year of stopping the drug, as the body’s biological drive to regain lost weight reasserts itself. Without regular exercise, particularly strength training, patients can lose muscle along with fat, a concern in a country where diets are often high in carbohydrates and low in protein.”It’s indicated for weight loss therapy but should be taken only under medical guidance. The potential for misuse is always there if the sale is not restricted,” said Dr Arun Moondhra Senior consultant physician at Sant Parmanand Hospital Civil Lines.There are other limits, too. Not everyone responds to GLP-1 therapy, and many people hit a plateau after losing around 15% of their body weight. Side effects are usually manageable, nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, but rarer complications such as gallstones or pancreatitis can occur. Prolonged, unsupervised use carries its own risks.Dr Moondhra also stressed that the use of semaglutide is going to increase manifold once cheaper generics are available.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosKarnataka CM Siddaramaiah Announces Ban On Social Media For Children Under 16. 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On most evenings at a diabetes clinic, the conversation eventually circles back to the same word: cost. Not calories, not carb counts, cost. For many patients, medicines like Ozempic have hovered in that uncomfortable space between medical breakthrough and financial capacity. Doctors spoke of their benefits with measured optimism; patients listened, did the math, and…
Mar 07, 2026, 12:08 IST
File photo of Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte with Barcelona’s Dani Olmo during a La Liga match. (AP) New Delhi: Athletic Bilbao face a daunting challenge as they host La Liga leaders Barcelona at San Mames, with the Catalan giants narrowly ahead in the title race. While Barcelona are battling Real Madrid at the top,…
Attack Varun Chakravarthy early and his confidence drops, Ashwin warns ahead of T20 World Cup final
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his views on Varun Chakravarthy’s bowling after the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, saying the spinner’s confidence drops when batters attack him early in his spell.India reached the final after beating England by seven runs in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on…
Conditions apply: Digital fraud relief to be capped
MUMBAI: Reserve Bank of India has proposed a ceiling of Rs 50,000 for digital frauds to be eligible for compensation of up to Rs 25,000. According to the draft, customers who lose more than Rs 50,000 in a cyber fraud incident will not qualify for this compensation mechanism.Banks must credit the compensation to the victim…
SSC CGL 2025: Post preference submission window opens March 9; Tier-II candidates must apply by March 12
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‘No one cares about this’: New York City Opera hits back at Timothée Chalamet’s comment about opera and ballet
Responding to Timothée Chalamet’s critique that opera is fading from public interest, New York City Opera has released an inspiring video that highlights the heart and soul poured into every production. Featuring behind-the-scenes footage of talented artisans at work and spirited crowds reveling in the performances, this initiative serves as a powerful reminder of opera’s…
Bad haircut before interview leads to ₹5.2 crore lawsuit, Supreme Court gives ₹25 lakh
A woman’s quest for a simple haircut led to a protracted legal battle after she claimed a salon ruined her hair and professional prospects, demanding ₹5.2 crore. The Supreme Court ultimately awarded her ₹25 lakh, stating that compensation requires concrete proof of financial or professional loss, not just personal distress. Most of us walk into…
Seven gates to Vaikuntha explained: The spiritual meaning behind desire, anger and ego
Hindus think that Vishnu’s home in heaven, Vaikuntha, is protected by seven holy doors or gates. These doors take the soul to moksha, which is the highest level of freedom.This idea comes from Vaishnavite philosophy and is often connected to the ceremonies that take place on Vaikuntha Ekadashi. People believe that the “Vaikuntha Dwaram” (gate…
Daylight saving time 2026: Clocks spring forward this Sunday across the US and Canada; bringing longer evenings and shorter sleep
Every spring, millions of people lose an hour of sleep for a reason that has nothing to do with late nights or early alarms. The clocks simply move forward. Daylight saving time returns this weekend across much of North America, bringing the familiar seasonal shift. Many people barely notice it because their phones and computers…
Watch: US strikes 3,000 targets in Iran in 7 days of Operation Epic Fury
US forces have reportedly struck more than 3,000 targets in the first week of Operation Epic Fury, as the conflict with Iran intensifies. “US forces have struck over 3,000 targets in the first week of Operation Epic Fury, and we are not slowing down,” the US Central Command said through a post on X.On Friday,…
Pakistan’s Asim Munir meets Saudi defence minister: Is ‘Islamic Nato’ in play?
Pakistan army chief Asim Munir meets Saudi Arabia defence minister (Picture from X) Pakistan army chief and the country’s de facto leader Asim Munir has met Saudi Arabia’s defence minister Khalid bin Salman amid the constantly evolving situation in the Middle East. The meeting comes days after Saudi Arabia’s Aramco oil refinery was hit and…
Representative AI image NEW DELHI: India’s doctors are raising the alarm over a little-known condition that could quietly rob millions of older people of their mobility and independence: sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss.To tackle the problem, the Geriatric Society of India has released the country’s first “Indian Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Sarcopenia.” The recommendations, developed by experts across multiple specialties including geriatric medicine, orthopaedics, endocrinology, physiotherapy and nutrition, aim to help doctors detect and treat muscle loss early — before it leads to falls, disability and loss of independence.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War Live Updates: Third US carrier on way as Israel launches ‘extensive strikes’ on IranTemporary Waiver For Russian Oil: US allows India to buy stranded crude; move aims to ease supply pressures’Landed in US hoping to kill Trump’: Pakistani man convicted in murder-for-hire plot, says Iran forced him Must-try strength training exercises for maximum muscle growth Sarcopenia, which literally means “loss of flesh,” refers to the gradual decline in muscle mass, strength and physical function with ageing. Doctors say it is often overlooked but can significantly increase the risk of fractures, hospitalisation and even death.The concern comes as India’s population ages rapidly. By 2050, the country is expected to have around 319 million people aged 60 and above, more than one-fifth of the population. Experts warn that without preventive steps, sarcopenia could become a major public health challenge.Studies suggest the condition affects 8–18% of older adults living in the community, rising to 25–40% among hospitalised elderly patients, with higher risk among people with chronic diseases such as diabetes.Dr O.P. Sharma, who led the guidelines, stressed that muscle health is central to healthy ageing. “Strength preserves dignity. Early detection saves independence,” he said, noting that sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition and chronic illnesses are accelerating muscle loss among seniors.The guidelines advise doctors to look for warning signs such as weak grip strength, slower walking speed and difficulty getting up from a chair. Screening tools like the SARC-F questionnaire can help identify people at risk, particularly in primary care settings.Experts say the encouraging news is that sarcopenia can often be prevented or slowed with simple lifestyle measures. Strength-training exercises two to three times a week, adequate protein intake and correcting vitamin D deficiency are among the key recommendations. Doctors also advise including protein sources such as dal, paneer, soy and pulses, especially in vegetarian diets.Dr Raju Vaishya of Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals said awareness about muscle health remains low. “India is a sarcopenic nation,” he said, citing poor nutrition, inactivity and ageing as key drivers.Dr Randeep Guleria said the guidelines aim to bring muscle health into routine medical care. “They bridge science with clinical wisdom, making sarcopenia visible in everyday practice,” he said.Doctors say early detection and treatment could help millions of seniors remain mobile, independent and healthier for longer, easing the growing healthcare burden of an ageing population.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIsrael FM Saar Clarifies Iran Strike Decision Came After PM Modi Left, Counters Opposition Criticism‘Trump Told India To Go Ahead Because…’: Mehek Cooke On US’ Russian Oil Waiver Amid Iran WarIndian Navy Chief Warns Modern Wars May Be Long, Calls For Strong Defence Industrial CapacityRow Over Electoral Roll Revision: Protest Held at Dharmatala in Kolkata’Real Players Are US, Russia, China’: Rahul Gandhi On Iran-Israel War, Warns Of India ImpactNitish Kumar’s Son Nishant To Enter Politics, Will Join JD(U) Soon In Signal Of Big Power ShiftNepal Poll Results: India Watches Closely As Border Dispute And ‘Big Brother’ Charge Loom’Jaishankar Should Respond’: Opposition Leaders Slam Modi Govt Over US Waiver On Russian OilWhy Is Congress Betting on Gaurav Gogoi While BJP Hits Pakistan Links?Health Or Politics? 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NEW DELHI: India’s doctors are raising the alarm over a little-known condition that could quietly rob millions of older people of their mobility and independence: sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss.To tackle the problem, the Geriatric Society of India has released the country’s first “Indian Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Sarcopenia.” The recommendations, developed…
Mar 07, 2026, 10:30 IST
India’s top chess Grandmasters suffering from poor form at the moment NEW DELHI: When Grandmaster (GM) Gukesh Dommaraju paused in the middle of the Prague Masters to apologise to fans, the moment felt unusually raw and emotional.“I really appreciate all the fans coming here every day. But I want to apologise to them. This tournament…
IT’s paradox: Many women in workforce, few rainmakers
BENGALURU: The IT sector’s biggest dealmakers have historically emerged from a predominantly male cohort. Even as women account for a significant share of the workforce across large IT services firms, far fewer have traditionally occupied roles that drive multi-million and billion-dollar deals, underscoring a long-standing gap between corporate representation and influence. Though still a small…
UCEED result 2026 declared by IIT Bombay: Check direct link and steps to download scorecard here
UCEED result 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has released the Undergraduate Common Entrance Examination for Design (UCEED) result 2026. Candidates who appeared for the exam can check their results on the official website uceed.iitb.ac.in, according to the official website.The UCEED 2026 scorecard will be available for download from March 10, 2026 to…